Thanks for the link! Hope everything is going well out your direction.

The whole issue of "science" vs reality of cryptozoology is wrapped in this very succinct statement;

Dr Ricky Spencer, Senior Lecturer with the Native and Pest Animal Unit at the University of Western Sydney, believes the panther legend may have a grain of truth.

‘‘Years ago, I would have thought the people making these reports were nutters. However, recently I’ve heard reports from wildlife biologists and naturalists who say they’ve seen these things,’’ Dr Spencer said.

It isn't truth until one of your own breaks rank and admits seeing the impossible.

Pretty much says it all....

Cheers

Nopolys

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts." - Daniel Patrick Moynihan-

"There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who can infer concepts from incomplete information." -unknown-

Just on the face of the small amount of info given for the gentleman that reported the sighting, I would be able and willing to take him at his word. That said, a fair number of those involved in the sciences who began their journey into science, seem to me to have lost their awe of nature along the way and rather than utilize proper scientific protocols to find and confirm or discount the reports, they are more concerned with maintaining a status quo.

Political machinations aside, budgets, peer acceptance, and desk time seem to be bigger drivers in the NSW process instead of identification of the unusual cat-like animals that have been reported ( or reports of our hairy friends as well).

My hope is, when enough people have seen one of these animals, someone will be able to get permission and funding to do some honest investigation on the ground utilizing folks like you and I if for nothing else as a resource (My hope is that the official types would utilize folks like you and I as associates using sound protocols for the legwork and field work to extend the money and time budget as far as possible).

It seems to me that given the current state of affairs, it will require an outrage to get the above level of commitment. Just my opinion, which could certainly change if or when circumstances warrant.

Always great to hear from you Mr Head!

Cheers

NoPolys

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts." - Daniel Patrick Moynihan-

"There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who can infer concepts from incomplete information." -unknown-